Low-hazardous-multi-functional textile through one-step nano-assisted processing

Abstract Textile processing with low hazardous chemicals in one step through a nano-assisted technique for multi-functional purposes is an important task. Here, the toxic carrier was replaced with zinc acetate in dyeing to modify the polyester fabric through the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Whereas polyester after conventional dyeing was followed by other required finishing to achieve functional properties. Disperse blue 19 and zinc acetate were used on different pre-treated fabrics at 130°C for 1 h in diverse alkaline media. The dyeing effluent showed almost no remaining dye providing a clean route for the simultaneous nano-assisted processing. This eco-friendly, time- and energy-saving technique exhibited an even distribution of ZnO-NPs on the fabric with reasonable dye adsorption. NaOH, as an alkaline, caused the smallest ZnO-NPs with the highest evenness. However, applying air plasma as a clean activation route on the fabric alongside alkali processing produced a higher color strength with the lowest cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of polyester fabrics improved as noticeable achievements. Besides, excellent fastness obtained on all dyed and ZnO-NPs synthesized samples indicated the successful attachment of dye and nanoparticles on the fabric. In addition, the efficient product showed antibacterial features against S. aureus. Lastly, better stability in alkali media specified for the dyed fabric included synthesized ZnO-NPs which led to an industrially advanced multi-functional product.